How can you treat pillows for lice and nits? - briefly
First, launder the pillowcase and pillow at a minimum of 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. If laundering is impossible, seal the pillow in a plastic bag for two weeks, vacuum it, and apply an approved lice‑killing spray to the surface.
How can you treat pillows for lice and nits? - in detail
Treating bedding that may harbor head‑lice insects and their eggs requires a systematic approach to eliminate both live parasites and dormant nits.
First, remove the pillow from the sleeping area and place it in a sealable plastic bag. Keep the bag closed for at least 48 hours to deprive any surviving lice of a blood meal; most adult insects die within this period without a host.
If the pillow is machine‑washable, launder it on the hottest setting the fabric tolerates—generally 130 °F (54 °C) or higher. Use a normal wash cycle with detergent; the heat will kill insects and dissolve the cement that secures nits to fibers.
After washing, dry the pillow in a dryer on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C) ensures complete eradication of any remaining eggs.
For non‑washable pillows, apply one of the following methods:
- Steam treatment: Direct a handheld steamer at the surface, maintaining a temperature of at least 212 °F (100 °C) for several minutes. Move the steam head slowly to allow heat penetration.
- Ironing: Place a thin cloth over the pillow and press with a hot iron (temperature setting “wool” or higher) for 5–10 minutes, covering all areas.
- Sealing: Place the pillow in an airtight bag and store it for two weeks. The life cycle of head‑lice cannot be completed without a host, so all stages perish.
Vacuum the pillow surface before any heat treatment. Use a brush‑head attachment and run the vacuum for at least two minutes per side, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister afterward to prevent re‑infestation.
Finally, protect the pillow with a zip‑close encasement that is labeled “lice‑proof.” Wash encasements weekly, and launder all bedding in hot water after any suspected exposure. Maintaining these practices reduces the risk of recurrence and limits the spread of lice within the household.